16 Jul Do Cleansers Stay on the Skin Long Enough to Make a Difference?

Cleansers play an integral role in any skin care routine, regardless of skin type. However, because cleansers have only a short contact time with the skin — less than ten seconds in most cases — many patients often question if their choice of cleanser can really have an impact on their skin’s health and appearance. Share this information with your patients to help them understand the importance of choosing the right cleanser, despite the fact that it is quickly washed off the skin.

When Cleansers Will Not Make a Difference

It is crucial that patients cleanse their skin twice daily, in most cases. People with very dry or sensitive skin, such as eczema or rosacea, may do best skipping morning cleansing and only washing their faces in the evening. In either case, the type of cleanser that they use can have a significant impact on their skin and the effectiveness of subsequent topical products.

That said, there are several expensive “buzzword” ingredients such as peptides and growth factors that do not impact the skin when used in a cleanser, as they would need a much longer contact time with the skin in order to be beneficial.

When Cleanser Choice Matters

There are, however, two primary ways that a patient’s cleanser choice does impact his or her skin, even in a very short amount of time. The first is by impairing the skin barrier. Foaming cleansers contain surfactants or detergents, which remove lipids from the skin and impair the skin’s protective bilayer membrane barrier. While these properties make foaming cleansers beneficial choices for patients with oily skin who need to remove excess oil from their skin, they are not suitable for dry or sensitive skin types.

This is one reason why many skin care products are trending towards being “sulfate-free,” as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a commonly-used foaming agent that strips lipids from the skin and disrupts the skin barrier. For oily skin types, this barrier disruption can help other topical products to more easily penetrate the skin’s surface, therefore making them more effective. However, when used on dry or sensitive skin types, SLS can be too harsh and irritating.

Dry and sensitive skin types, on the other hand, should choose creamy, non-foaming cleansers to avoid irritation and dryness. By depositing lipids onto the skin, creamy cleansers can help to hydrate and protect these skin types, while still aiding in the absorption rate of subsequent ingredients. Lipids such as oleic acid and humectants such as hyaluronic acid have been shown to increase skin penetration.

The second way that cleansers can impact a patient’s skin is by changing its pH. Human skin is naturally a pH of about 4.7, which is slightly acidic. If patients use products that are too alkaline, like soap, their skin’s natural pH balance will be disrupted, resulting in dry, flaky skin. On the other hand, very acidic, or low-pH ingredients such as hydroxyacids can cause stinging and burning. Therefore, dry or sensitive skin types do well when using milk, cold creams, and oil cleansers that have a neutral pH to avoid irritation and dryness.

However, if a patient is struggling with acne, recommending a cleanser with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can help. AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid have relatively lower pHs, making it difficult for P. acnes bacteria to thrive on the skin. AHAs simultaneously act as humectant ingredients, thus keeping dry skin moisturized while creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria.

Cleansers can also affect penetration of the products used on the skin after cleansing. For example,if your patient is going to use an ascorbic acid product after cleansing, lowering the skin’s pH first with a cleanser can help increase penetration of the Vitamin C,

Bottom Line

You cannot stress the importance of cleansers enough to your patients. Even though these products only stay in contact with the skin for a few seconds before being rinsed away, cleansers impact the skin in important ways. Not all cleansers are worthwhile, especially if they are on the expensive side and contain ingredients like peptides and growth factors.

Share with your patients specific guidelines for choosing a cleanser based on their Baumann Skin Type, as well as detailed written instructions for how to use them. Patients are often astounded at just how impactful using the right cleanser (and applying it correctly) can be for the overall look and feel of their complexion.

Our Location

Subscribe To Newsletter

Sign up today and be the first to get notified on new updates and exciting news.

Lisa Cafiero

I had long been very interested in Skin Type Solutions. After several traumatic life events, my face was beginning to really show my age. With so many beauty creams and serums everywhere that I looked, I was totally confused. I considered myself a bright and educated consumer, but I was totally overwhelmed and suspicious of all the promises these products made. My skin was beautiful as a young girl and young woman—I didn’t even use makeup. Now I needed it, but makeup wasn’t helping. In fact, looking in the mirror, I did not even recognize myself. My skin had changed and I needed help. I just wanted a simple, evidenced-based skincare regimen from someone I could trust. I had only worn sunscreen when I was at an outside event or the beach. I used Dove soap to cleanse and no face creams or serums. My initial consultation with my dermatologist was inspiring. She explained my skin type to me, the products to use for my skin type, and why I needed to consistently use these products. Not having used sunscreen was a big mistake that had caused premature skin aging and damage. She promised that if I used these products, I would see an improvement in a few months. Well, folks, it was incredible. Proper cleansers, sunscreen, retinol, and the right moisturizers and serums used morning and night religiously DID make a noticeable difference. People at work noticed, friends noticed, and I no longer avoided the mirror. After a year, we looked at my before and one-year picture and I had to agree with staff that “I looked like what could be my younger sister!” Now, three years later, at 62, people I meet think that I am 52. My only regret is not starting the proper skincare in my twenties. My 62 may have been a 42! I am never leaving STS. This system is in the forefront of all cosmetic advances, and as a patient, I trust that I get the best in cosmetic care that can be offered. That makes me very happy, indeed!”

Monica Auslander

As a dietitian who formerly worked in a hospital, I am keen to only seek evidence-based practice and products. The brilliant dermatologists behind STS conduct the clinical trials that bring these products to market, and it shows. I struggled for years (and thousands of dollars) through blackheads and dull pallor. My STS regimen finally ended the parade of ineffectual products I’d lived with. I was able to harness a clear complexion for my wedding and beyond. The personalized attention to clinical detail from STS physicians and staff fostered long-lasting results without instigating dependence on frequent visits.

Terri Tappan

Ever since I started using the regimen prescribed for me, my skin looks fabulous! I know it does, but I get compliments almost daily on my skin. My daughter-in-law recently asked me as well. I will get her converted, too. I do not feel too dry or too oily, ever! I never have breakouts at all. It’s all a routine for me now. It’s a priority. As we age, we absolutely must take care of what people will see first and use to decide their opinion of you. It’s worth it. You will feel much more confident in your day-to-day presentation! I highly recommend everyone do this. It’s affordable, too! Skin Type Solutions absolutely cares about me, and they are willing to make sure I am happy with my product!

Diane Hoffman

As a natural redhead child growing up in NYC, we did not practice adequate sun care. Now living in South Florida, I have had to be very diligent with skincare. After taking the Baumann Skin Type® quiz, I know I am an ORNT—and have not been in the sun for 24 years now. Staying out of the sun is a must! I wear a hat if I know I will be outside for any length of time. I LIVE on sunblock! I put it on in the morning after moisturizer, apply it before I leave work for the day, and even carry an extra sunblock in the car and use an SPF foundation. Also, my diet is chock-full of nutrients—usually 5 to 6 servings (1/2 cup) of veggies/fruits and nuts/seeds every day. I try to drink two quarts of water daily. I look much younger than my chronological age. Thank you!!

Angie Nys

I have been using Skin Type Solutions skincare since 2015. Upon my first visit with my dermatologist, she took a Visia photograph of my skin, which showed the sun damage and age spots of a 59-year-old woman. At that time, I was in the 65% bracket of women my age. I have been using the STS products for my skin type faithfully for the past two years and have seen a noticeable improvement in the clarity, texture, and firmness of my skin. Not only have I noticed a visible improvement, but I also get asked why my skin looks so pretty. Even my son, who had a terrible case of acne, saw a dramatic difference in his skin. I recently revisited my dermatologist and had another Visia photo taken, and the proof was right there. I am now in the 93% bracket of women my age. Skin Type Solutions works—the proof is there!

Cynthia Morcott

Since I have been using my STS skincare regimen, my skin has improved immensely. My rosacea has lessened, and the treatments I’ve received have even improved the wrinkles on what should be a very old and wrinkled face. One example of the positive comments I get on my skin and my complexion is that the other day while going through the TSA at the airport, the man checking my passport threw his head back and said, “Wait a minute, you are using somebody else’s passport. There is no possible way you can be the age stated on this passport.” I am 78 years old, but people guess me to be in my 60s.

Melinda Prague

It’s so important to know your skin type and use the right products. Prior to STS, I purchased multiple products, but never quite found the right combination. I spent lots of money and still was not happy with my regimen or my skin! I’m happy to say that since I’ve been following the STS suggestions for my skin type, my skin has never looked better. I spend far less money, use fewer products, and receive many compliments on my complexion! STS has taken the guesswork out of the process, and I couldn’t be more pleased!

Chae duPont, Esq

It wasn’t until I actually understood what my skin type was by taking the Baumann Skin Type® questionnaire that I really understood how best to take care of my skin. I am an ORNW (Oily, Resistant, Non-Pigmented and Wrinkled) and with that comes some good news and bad news. The good news is that I am a great candidate for stronger solutions, including retinols and bleaches. Under the care of my dermatologist, I have been prescribed Retin-A and Hydroquinone. With extended use, I have seen a remarkable difference in my skin’s overall tone, appearance, and elasticity. My fine lines have been reduced and my hyper-pigmented sun spots have all but disappeared. The bad news with being an ORNW is that wrinkles come easily, but after three months of Retin-A, I saw a remarkable reduction—so much so that I now also use the Retin-A on my décolleté and my hands. I have also incorporated a glycolic acid toner into my daily routine, and an SPF 70 moisturizer has become a daily must-do! I am so grateful to finally have the tools I need to understand that not all skin is alike and that my skin can be greatly improved by simply understanding what works best for my skin type.

Connected Compliance

Patient education can begin before they arrive for their appointment – and they can leave with written instructions in-hand. After your patients receive their customized regimen in your office, the STS app and website will keep them informed and on course with printable educational resources and convenient reminders. They’ll know which products to use and why, when and how to use them, and where to get more – exclusively from you. This connectivity can make a meaningful difference in your relationships with your patients. It can ensure loyalty and ongoing revenue, and best of all, it can foster the informed understanding and compliance your patients need to ensure their best skin health.

Easy Efficiency

Getting started is quick and easy. Within four weeks, we can install the STS software onto your tablets, design and deliver the sleek, compact product display – along with your selected inventory of products – and personally train you and your staff. We will also build out an online retail presence customized to your practice. And while getting going with STS is easy, you’ll find using it even easier. Our interface is user-friendly, our materials concise and easy to share, and start-up costs are low and quick to recoup. Activate your staff, engage your patients, and create a new stream of income for your practice – easily and efficiently – with STS.

Ethical Expertise

Our validated Diagnostic Questionnaire diagnoses your patients into one of Dr. Baumann’s 16 respected and proven skin types, ensuring that you are providing them with a stringently tested, ethical protocol – totally customizable by you. Use STS’s recommendations as a starting point, and augment it with what you know to be best for each patient. Whichever regimen you prescribe, you can confidently rely on STS’s extensive clinical research and independently-approved cosmeceutical products to save you time and your patients money – and prevent them from using products that aren’t right for their skin. With STS, your patients can get the best, safest, most effective skincare treatment from the expert they already trust – you.